A very horizontal chart plots brain rhythm frequency over time with colors indicating power. Bars along the top indicate the dose of ketamine. After the dose starts more gamma frequency power appears. After the dose gets even higher, the gamma waves periodically stop and then resume.
May 20, 2024
Study models how ketamine’s molecular action leads to its effects on the brain
On a reddish background a minimalist cartoon head is shown in profile. Within the head is a graphic of four balls representing brain cells connecting into two balls that then both connect into just one.
May 13, 2024
How the brain is flexible enough for a complex world (without being thrown into chaos)
A little girl lies on a gray sofa under a blanket. A woman holds her gently with one hand and holds a thermometer in the girl's mouth with the other.
May 8, 2024
Autism symptoms sometimes improve amid fever, so a research team will study how to make that a therapy
A chart from a study plots bursts of brain waves of varying frequency at specific times. The bursts are represented as warm colors against a the blue background. When there are low frequency bursts there aren't high frequency bursts and vice versa.
April 23, 2024
In the brain, bursts of beta rhythms implement cognitive control
A black and white brain shown in profile is decorated with red light bulbs on its surface. In one spot, a stencil for making the light bulbs, labeled "beta," is present. Nearby is a can of red spray paint labeled "gamma" with a little wave on it.
April 17, 2024
Paper: To understand cognition—and its dysfunction—neuroscientists must learn its rhythms

Starting off the year with new skills, new connections

January 9, 2024
Picower People
At MIT’s Quantitative Methods Workshop, more than 80 students and faculty from a dozen partner institutions became immersed at the intersection of computation and life sciences and forged new ties to MIT and each other.

New Picower Investigator advances optical methods to study learning and memory

January 2, 2024
Picower People
Assistant Professor Linlin Fan launches a lab to shine a finely focused, innovative spotlight on the neural basis of encoding knowledge.

Evidence early, but emerging, that gamma rhythm stimulation can treat neurological disorders

December 20, 2023
Research Feature
A new review surveys a broadening landscape of studies showing what’s known, and what remains to be found, about the therapeutic potential of non-invasive sensory, electrical or magnetic stimulation of gamma brain rhythms.

Nanoparticle-delivered RNA reduces neuroinflammation in lab tests

December 11, 2023
Research Findings
In mice and human cell cultures, MIT researchers showed that novel nanoparticles can deliver a potential therapy for inflammation in the brain, a prominent symptom in Alzheimer’s disease

Emery N. Brown elected member of American Philosophical Society

November 28, 2023
Picower People
Brown elected to 2023 class of new members of the oldest learned society in the United States, co-founded by Benjamin Franklin.

How a mutation in microglia elevates Alzheimer’s risk

November 16, 2023
Research Findings
A new MIT study finds that microglia with mutant TREM2 protein reduce brain circuit connections, promote inflammation and contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology in other ways

Anesthesia blocks sensation by cutting off communication within the cortex

November 8, 2023
Research Findings
Under propofol general anesthesia, sensory input still reaches the brain, but signals do not spread. Results suggest consciousness requires cortical regions to all be “on the same page.”

Award honors Elly Nedivi’s research on cortical plasticity

November 6, 2023
Picower People
The Krieg Cortical Kudos Discoverer Award recognizes Nedivi’s ongoing work to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable the brain to adapt to experience

New grant to study possibility of an immunotherapy for autism

November 2, 2023
New Research
Picower Institute-based collaboration will study mechanisms that might enable peripheral immune cells to deliver a potentially therapeutic molecule to the brain.

Aging Brain Initiative symposium showcases ‘cutting edge’ research across MIT

November 1, 2023
Picower Events
Seed projects, posters represent a wide range of labs working on technologies, therapeutic strategies, and fundamental research to advance understanding of age-related neurodegenerative disease

Anesthesia technology precisely controls unconsciousness in animal tests

October 31, 2023
Research Findings
An advanced closed-loop anesthesia delivery system that monitors brain state to tailor propofol dose and achieve exactly the desired level of unconsciousness could reduce post-op side effects

Mark Bear wins SfN’s Julius Axelrod Prize

October 30, 2023
Picower People
Society for Neuroscience Award recognizes Professor Mark Bear’s synaptic plasticity research, its translation to potential amblyopia and autism treatments, and his career of mentorship.